Sodepa supports government measures to combat inflation through beef sales
CAMEROON – Cameroon’s Livestock Development Corporation (Sodepa) has taken steps to support the government’s measures to combat inflation.
In a recent statement, Denis Koulagna, Managing Director of the public company, announced the launch of regular and promotional beef sales in the cities of Yaoundé and Douala.
The initiative aligns with similar actions being undertaken by the government to provide relief to the population, particularly in the face of rising food prices contributing to inflation.
According to the National Institute of Statistics (INS), inflation in Cameroon reached a peak of 8% in August 2023, which is more than double the tolerated threshold in the CEMAC zone, set at 3%.
In response to the escalating price levels in the markets, Cameroon’s Minister of Trade, Luc Magloire Mbarga Atangana, implemented a “special system” for the sale of essential consumer products at promotional prices.
He indicated that this initiative will not only continue but also intensify and expand to encompass a broad range of essential products throughout the entire national territory, including all regions and departments. The strategy is expected to be in effect for several more weeks.
Sodepa’s commitment to launching promotional beef sales aims to contribute to the broader efforts to alleviate the financial strain on the population by offering essential goods at more affordable prices.
The move underscored the government’s dedication to addressing the challenges posed by inflation and its impact on the cost of living for citizens.
By actively participating in these initiatives, Sodepa and other entities will work collectively to stabilize the economic situation in Cameroon and ensure that essential products remain accessible to the public amid economic challenges related to inflation.
Livestock, including cattle, plays a vital role in Cameroon’s primary sector, contributing significantly to the country’s GDP.
The sector provides income for approximately 30% of the active population. Despite the growth in the national cattle herd, the demand for beef is rising rapidly.
National meat production remains low, covering only around 65% to 75% of national demand.
In recent times, Sodepa found itself needing to use its beef safety stock to meet the increasing national demand, highlighting the challenges in increasing the supply of beef in terms of quantity and quality.
The quality of available meat on the market and the associated prices have not been entirely satisfactory for consumers.
These challenges have prompted a closer look at the organization and functioning of the beef Supply Chain (SC) and Supply Chain Management (SCM).
Understanding the difficulties faced by the SC actors is crucial to addressing the performance issues within the industry and ensuring a stable supply of quality beef to meet the growing demand.
